Jason’s hands are starting to wander, but I’m more interested in what is going on at the other side of the pool. I push him away, ignoring the look on his face. He is persistent, comes straight back.

“Jason, can you get me a drink please?” I say to distract him. He adjusts his baggy shorts and leaps out of the pool, happy to play the role of gallant gentleman if it means he might get lucky. I keep my eyes on Tracey and Eloise. They are chatting and look almost friendly. Tracey is a little stiff, probably keeping her guard up, but Eloise appears to be all charm.

Jason is back with a cup of neat vodka and I knock it back with a grimace. I know El is up to something, but I don’t know what. She chats to Tracey for a little while longer, then walks away. I don’t like the look on her face or the knowing smirk she gives me as she comes over to us. Brian pads over behind her and they climb into the water next to Jason and me.

“Decided to swing back to boys then, Hels?”

“Oh, grow up, Brian.”

Eloise sniggers.

“Why would I be interested in someone like Tracey anyway?” I hear myself say.

I look over at Tracey with her long hair and legs that go on for miles. She is leaning back on the lounger, her feet dancing to the music, her eyes closed.

“Yeah, you’re right. You’d at least choose someone more like us. So are you two an item now then?” Eloise indicates Jason, who has his hand on my waist again, his thumb rubbing at the bottom of my bikini top. I am trying to ignore him, but I’m getting irritated by his roaming hands.

I shrug in reply.

“Why are you still staring at her?” Tracey has slumped further down the lounger. She looks like she might be drunk, her face softened, as though it is melting, and she is grinning goofily at no one as she stares vacantly around her.

“Give it a rest, El. I’m not gay, ok? You know that. I’m just worried. She looks like she’s had a lot to drink. She’s not used to it.”

“Hasn’t everyone? Isn’t that the point of this party? I don’t see you worrying about how much I’ve had – or Steph or Em.”

I look over at them now and they are definitely drunk, swaying in a gormless way. But El is right. I don’t really care about them like I do Tracey.